My Journey as a Docent at Beaufort National Cemetery

For those who don’t know me, I have a confession. I'm utterly in love with cemeteries. Look up the word Taphophile and you might see my picture next to the word. My fascination with cemeteries comes from my paternal grandmother, June. She used to take me on walks through them when I was a child. Those walks are some of my fondest memories. There's a unique peace and intrigue to cemeteries that I love. Plus, I’m all about honoring our veterans. I've finally turned one of my dreams into reality—I’ve started volunteering as a docent at Beaufort National Cemetery (BNC), a place that stole my heart the first time I set foot there.

Photo Credit: Beaufort National Cemetery website

Picture this: majestic live oaks with Spanish moss gracefully hanging down amidst a beautiful fan-shaped layout brimming with stories of valor and sacrifice. This isn’t just any cemetery; it’s a treasure trove of history, hosting souls from the Civil War era to the present day. We talk about legends like the brave men of the 55th and their leader Robert Gould Shaw (watch the movie "Glory" if you haven't already), our more famous resident Donald Conroy—the inspiration behind the movie 'The Great Santini,' and Emma French, a courageous Civil War nurse, among many others.

I’m hosting a couple of walking tours each month and might add an extra one on a Saturday morning starting in January. These tours usually last around an hour, though I sometimes get carried away—there’s just so much to share!

Based on a recommendation, I've been researching all the female veterans buried here. There are more than I expected, hundreds in fact, including a Major in the Army, another who earned a Bronze Star in WWII and countless combat nurses. I recently read "The Women" by Kristin Hannah (a must-read, by the way!) and the sacrifices of those nurses are amazing. I'm piecing together a special tour to spotlight these incredible women.

In March, I’m planning a tour of those who were killed in action in Vietnam and whose names are on The Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C. to coincide with Vietnam Veterans Day. It’s a heart-touching way to honor those who’ve sacrificed so much, and I’m pouring my heart into making it memorable. Vietnam Vets have a special place in my heart after my father’s service.

Curiosity about our cemetery's residents varies widely. Recently, someone asked about our Spanish-American War veterans, and not wanting to disappoint, I dove into research during my evening unwinding time. This has led me to start crafting a walking tour focused on these often-overlooked veterans. It’s fantastic because I’m learning about different aspects of history that I didn’t know much about. I had very limited information. The information on the headstone application on some of these older graves is just what is on the stone. I visited their graves and talked to them (I know that sounds crazy, but I do, and it works). I told them I wanted to share their stories and I don’t want them to be forgotten. I ended up discovering more than I had. I thought I’d share on one veteran.

 

DOUGHERTY, John Frederick, Wagoner (Section 23, Site 9267) Born in February 1880 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in July 1898 in the 5th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in Company L, raised in Clearfield County. He was discharged in November of the same year. He served as a Wagoner, a teamster who drove wagons to transport supplies and equipment in the Spanish-American War. 

 

I found a bunch of documents and added them to his Find a Grave memorial so people can access more information about him. I also submitted a bunch of changes reflecting this new information. In this case, both his parents had died (he was 3 months old in a household that was not his parents). He never married and never had children. 

Photo credit: Bonnie Wade Mucia 2024

Now I have to figure out a way to start fundraising money to help acquire pension files and uncover more about our veterans. Hummmm. I have ideas! 

If you're curious and find yourself nearby, why not join me for a tour? I’ll be at Beaufort National Cemetery next Thursday, December 19, 2024, for tours at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Just meet me at the front entrance flagpole. No need to book in advance!

For those who can't make it, keep an eye on the Beaufort National Cemetery Facebook page for updates. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to share this special place with you soon. Can't wait!

Beaufort National Cemetery: 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina